How freshmen have changed

Staff Editorial
Cavalier Daily (U. Virginia)

(U-WIRE) CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - The typical college freshman is considerably more stressed now than 15 years ago, according to a survey published by the American Council on Education and the University of California at Los Angeles Higher Education Research Institute. Thirty percent of college freshmen around the country reported feeling overwhelmed by all their commitments in last fall's survey. In 1985, only 16 percent were as stressed out. The survey, which yielded statistics based on the responses of 261,217 freshman entering 462 two-year and four-year institutions last fall, is in its 34th year. It was designed to show the changes in freshman classes over the years.

In 1998, for example, the survey found that the number of students who approve of casual sex had declined since the beginning of the decade - from roughly half down to about 40 percent.

Some of the statistics are quite interesting, especially when considered in relation to the university. Some of the following numbers deserve some contemplation. Think about them in terms of yourself, your peers and your school.

According to the survey, freshmen have become more confident. About 59 percent of students rated themselves above average or in the top 10 percent of their peers in academic ability, compared to about 55 percent in 1995. About 54 percent felt they were above average or in the top 10 percent of their peers in creativity, as opposed to about 50 percent in 1995. And yet, the survey found the students are not as academically stimulated as they used to be. Increase in creativity, or a decrease in standards?

More students feel bored in class - 40 percent, up from 26 percent in 1985. Close to two-thirds of students said they come late to class. Study habits have not fared well, either. In 1999, 68.5 percent reported spending less than six hours per week studying or doing homework during their last year of high school. In 1987, only 44 percent spent less than six hours per week on academic pursuits during their last year of high school.

And yet, grades have not suffered. About one-third of students had an A-range gpa in high school. In 1969, only 13 percent maintained an A-range average. Grade inflation, anyone?

Administrators all over the country should be pleased to hear that freshman classes are entering with less bad habits than in the past. The survey shows that, for the second straight year, student smoking has decreased. But is this number an issue of better health, or differences in categorization? People could be smarter about health, or the decline could have to do with the increasing phenomenon of the college "social smoker," who only smokes when drinking and therefore doesn't classify him or herself as a smoker.